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U.S. Army Lt. Col. Derek Sutton, commander of Task Force Ironman, goes mic’d up while conducting patrols in Washington, Jan. 13, 2026. Sutton leads Guardsmen from multiple states supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, working alongside local and federal law enforcement partners to enhance public safety and visible presence across the nation’s capital.(U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Mic’d Up: Walking the Mission with Task Force Ironman
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, interim commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, visits with Soldiers and Airmen supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in Washington, D.C., Jan. 31, 2026. As the senior leader of the D.C. National Guard, Blanchard provides command oversight and guidance to National Guard forces supporting public safety and interagency coordination across the capital. His visit reinforced the importance of disciplined presence, partnership with local and federal agencies, and sustained readiness in support of the mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Decisions in Motion: Leadership at Street Level in Washington
Ohio National Guard Soldiers supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission stand watch in their assigned patrol area in Washington, D.C., January 2026. Through presence patrols across key transit hubs and surrounding neighborhoods, the Soldiers work alongside local and federal law enforcement partners to help deter crime and enhance public safety. Their visible presence reinforces community confidence and supports a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to keeping the nation’s capital safe and accessible. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Finding Common Ground in the Nation’s Capital
Spc. Lily Castro, an Alabama National Guard Soldier assigned to Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, pauses in a Metro station in Washington, Jan. 9, 2026. Castro supports the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, operating alongside local and federal law enforcement partners to promote coordination, public safety and confidence across the National Capital Region. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Interagency by Design: Unity of Effort Powers the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, interim commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, visits Soldiers patrolling metro stations in Washington, D.C., Jan. 29, 2026. Approximately 2,600 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission by assisting the Metropolitan Police Department to help ensure the safety of residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Paris Hayes)

Brig. Gen. Blanchard Visits Soldiers in Patrolling in DC
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robert W. Gibson Sr., command chief warrant officer of the District of Columbia National Guard, observes Soldiers during a nighttime presence patrol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 30, 2026, in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Senior leaders conducted ground-level engagement to assess operations and ensure effective coordination with local and federal partners. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Command Presence on the Streets of Washington
U.S. Army Capt. Jonathon Davis and U.S. Army Spc. Drew Pathammavong, assigned to the Georgia National Guard, conduct a presence patrol in the Anacostia neighborhood during the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in Washington, D.C., Jan. 26, 2026. The team assumed responsibility for the area following the transition of Florida National Guard forces supporting the mission. About 2,500 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, assisting the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety for residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Tech. Sgt. Renee Crugnale)

Georgia Guard Members Support Anacostia Area
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthew Nowlin, a Guardsman supporting Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, goes mic’d up while visiting Soldiers and Airmen serving across the District, Jan. 9, 2026. The D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission supports public safety through a visible presence, disciplined coordination, and close partnership with local and federal agencies to help ensure the nation’s capital remains safe and secure for residents, commuters and visitors. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Mic'd Up with Lt. Col. Nowlin
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dylan Chadbourne, second from left, and Staff Sgt. Hector Amaya, second from right, assigned to the 113th Security Forces Squadron, Joint Task Force – District of Columbia, received awards during a Winter Ceremony held by the U.S. Park Police in Washington, D.C. Jan. 9, 2026. About 2,500 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Spc. Paris Hayes)

JTF–DC Airmen Recognized for their Efforts
The partially-demolished edifice of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium is visible from the roof of the DC Armory in Washington, D.C., Aug. 18, 2025. The longstanding landmark fell into disrepair and is being demolished to make way for a new stadium. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Enriquez)

Last stand for RFK Memorial Stadium
U.S Army Maj. Roy Baker, right, 45th Field Artillery, and Pfc. Radomir Baker, 2-245th Headquarters and Headquarters Company, pose for a photo in the District of Columbia Armory in Washington, D.C. Jan. 13, 2026. About 2,500 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Spc. Paris Hayes)

Serving Side by Side: Parent and Child Teams Support D.C. Safe Mission
Current and former members of the D.C. National Guard gathered at the Military Women’s Memorial on Jan. 10, 2026, to honor Ms. Nancy “Mama” Lynch on her retirement after 40 years of dedicated military and civilian service. Lynch’s career spanned decades of mentorship, leadership, and commitment to Soldiers and Airmen of the Capital Guardian community. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Ayan Sheikh)

The Heart of the D.C. National Guard Retires After 40 Years of Military and Civilian Service
Soldiers assigned to the Alabama National Guard and Oklahoma National Guard discuss their experiences supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission while serving in the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C., Jan. 2, 2026. Through presence patrols, community engagement and coordination with local partners, National Guard members assist the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety at high-traffic locations throughout the District. The mission brings together Guardsmen from across the country to support residents, commuters and visitors while reinforcing readiness, teamwork and community trust. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. William Blankenship and U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. 1st Class William Frye)

Making a Difference: Guardsmen Serve the Nation’s Capital
The Army National Guard patch is displayed on the sleeve of a District of Columbia National Guard Soldier supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in Washington, D.C. Guardsmen provide a visible, disciplined presence and work alongside local and federal partners to enhance public safety, strengthen community trust, and help ensure the nation’s capital remains secure for residents, commuters, and visitors. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Paris Hayes)

Soldier Assists Injured Driver After Rollover Crash
U.S. Army Spc. Ethan Shumar, a combat engineer, front, U.S. Air National Guard Capt. April McClung, a nurse, and U.S. Army Pfc. Jalen Taylor, a unit supply specialist, all assigned to the West Virginia National Guard, patrol near the Judiciary Square Metro station, Jan. 9, 2026. About 2,500 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, assisting the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety for residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Melissa Sterling)

Air National Guard captain delivers baby in hospital parking lot
U.S. Army Maj. Margaret P. Serrano, Legal Assistance Attorney within the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJA), presents vital tools to protect Guardsmen and their loved ones from uncertainty during a crisis, at the D.C. Armory, Jan. 2, 2026. Taking proactive steps to get your legal affairs in order means you can focus on your mission with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family is secure and your personal wishes are protected. This includes: -Family Readiness: Ensuring you have a Family Care Plan and have legally appointed guardians for your children. -Estate Planning: Creating a Will to direct who receives your property, a Living Will for your end-of-life medical wishes, and a Health Care Power of Attorney to designate someone to make medical decisions if you cannot. -Financial Affairs: Appointing a trusted agent with a Durable Power of Attorney to manage your finances and confirming your life insurance beneficiaries are correct and up-to-date. The goal of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate is to help Guardsmen achieve legal readiness. Services are completely free and confidential for eligible service members. Legal assistance is available from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the D.C. Armory drill floor on the 1st and 15th of each month. See the QR codes in the video to learn more.

Legal Readiness 101: District of Columbia National Guard Office of the Staff Judge Advocate
Members of the D.C. National Guard's 33rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD-CST) join MedStar Health SiTEL clinicians, physicians, and medical students for an advanced emergency simulation in Northwest Washington, D.C., Aug. 28, 2025. The joint exercise tested rapid medical response in contaminated and high-risk environments, strengthening interagency readiness and ensuring both partners are better prepared to protect the community.

33rd WMD-CST Joins MedStar Health SiTEL for Emergency Medical Training
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard; Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, Senior Enlisted Leader; and their spouses deliver a holiday message emphasizing gratitude for service, readiness, and family sacrifice to the D.C. National Guard and Joint Task Force - District of Columbia. This holiday season, they encourage the entire force to focus on connection, gratitude, achievements, and progress. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

D.C. National Guard Command Team Holiday Message
Family members of U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor, director of the Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, District of Columbia National Guard, pin the one-star rank on her at a ceremony formally promoting her on Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Dec. 3, 2025. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing and managing the development, execution, and evaluation of joint staff programs and policies pertaining to the command, control, and operation of joint functions within the District of Columbia Army and District of Columbia Air National Guard. She manages readiness of joint defense programs to include the Civil Support Team, Homeland Response Force, State Partnership Program, Counter Drug Task Force, and Defense Support to Civil Authorities. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Enriquez)

Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor Reflects on Service, Promotion, and New Role
U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Anthony D. Sims, right, stands at attention during a ceremony in which assumes the position of District of Columbia Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. at the D.C. Armory in Washington, Nov. 9, 2025. The Command Chief Master Sgt. is the principal military advisor to the commanding general on all matters concerning the Air National Guard enlisted force.

DC Air National Guard transitions Command Chief
DC National Guard News
Quiet Presence, Measured Impact
Feb. 9, 2026 - WASHINGTON - By late summer 2025, National Guard Soldiers and Airmen moved side by side through the nation’s capital in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Along transit corridors, major avenues, and public...
Decisions in Motion: Leadership at Street Level in Washington
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, interim commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, visits with Soldiers and Airmen supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in Washington, D.C., Jan. 31, 2026. As the senior leader of the D.C. National Guard, Blanchard provides command oversight and guidance to National Guard forces supporting public safety and interagency coordination across the capital. His visit reinforced the importance of disciplined presence, partnership with local and federal agencies, and sustained readiness in support of the mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)
Feb. 3, 2026 - WASHINGTON — What fell softly days ago in the morning now resists every step. Snow pressed into sidewalks and medians has hardened into uneven barriers, narrowing walkways and subtly reshaping how the city moves. In...
Finding Common Ground in the Nation’s Capital
Ohio National Guard Soldiers supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission stand watch in their assigned patrol area in Washington, D.C., January 2026. Through presence patrols across key transit hubs and surrounding neighborhoods, the Soldiers work alongside local and federal law enforcement partners to help deter crime and enhance public safety. Their visible presence reinforces community confidence and supports a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to keeping the nation’s capital safe and accessible. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)
Feb. 3, 2026 - WASHINGTON — As evening settles over the city, Ohio National Guard Soldiers fan out across Metro platforms, sidewalks and public spaces where thousands of people pass through every night. Some commuters hurry past, others...
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National Guard News
Four Guard Members Compete in 2026 Olympic Games
Four Soldiers of the Army National Guard are representing the United States of America in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. From left, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin, U.S. Army Spc. Sean Doherty, U.S. Army Spc. Maxime Germain and U.S. Army Sgt. Ben Loomis. Courtesy Photo.
Feb. 10, 2026 - MILAN–CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy —Four Soldiers of the Army National Guard are representing the United States of America in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Vermont Army National Guard’s Staff Sgt...
Oklahoma Guard Help Welcomed in DC Amid Freezing Temperatures
Oklahoma National Guardsmen deployed in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission as part of Task Force Thunder clear snow and ice from walkways around Washington, D.C., after Winter Storm Fern. Courtesy photo.
Feb. 10, 2026 - OKLAHOMA CITY – While life as usual has resumed for most Oklahomans after Winter Storm Fern, for Oklahoma Guardsmen deployed in support of D.C. Safe and Beautiful, winter storm response is still in full-swing.Lingering...
New Hampshire Airmen Sharpen Strategic Deterrence in Readiness Exercise
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Will Emerling, a 133rd Aerial Refueling Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, performs gas mask and helmet system communication and oxygen testing for U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Amy James, a 64th ARS KC-46A boom operator, at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire, Feb. 6, 2026. The tests are part of the pre-flight process for generating mission-ready air crews, ensuring all equipment fits and is fully functional. The pre-flight inspection was carried out as part of the wing’s nuclear operational readiness exercise that took place during the February unit training assembly, testing the unit’s ability to generate aerial refueling capability when it matters most. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Huffman.
Feb. 10, 2026 - NEWINGTON, N.H. – The 157th Air Refueling Wing highlighted the important role it plays in defending the homeland when it held a nuclear operational readiness exercise Feb. 5-8.The event tested the processes, critical skills...
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Meet two D.C. National Guard Soldiers who also serve as civilian law enforcement officers, turning experience into impact for their local community and the nation. https://t.co/fMEDzEyvgu
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The Citizen Soldiers and Airmen of the Joint Task Force - D.C. provide great value for the District and the nation as they are uniquely qualified for this mission due to its strong local ties and proven track record. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/Ym1rdkQh5h
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#ICYMI: @SecWar administered the reenlistment of 105 National Guardsmen at the Washington Monument — America’s finest recommitting to serve their nation while supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission! https://t.co/odOuVXPzLo
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Our soldiers sharpened emergency response skills during training at the D.C. Armory, ensuring they remain ready to deploy at a moment’s notice in support of public safety across the National Capital Region. #DCSafe https://t.co/dzSLiNRLTV
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RT @DeptofWar: LIVE: @SecWar Pete Hegseth hosts a reenlistment ceremony for National Guard members from multiple states at the Washington M…
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Meet the father and son duo supporting the D.C. Safe & Beautiful mission together. For these guardsmen, it's all about setting the standard and leading by example. No shortcuts and no excuses. Read more about them: https://t.co/mEM3hJSGRy
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Through disciplined presence and quiet coordination, Guardsmen supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission hold the line so daily life in our nation's capital can continue. We live here. We work here. We serve here. https://t.co/C9cIXRDrje
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Strong leadership and technical expertise are vital to sustaining readiness across the force! CW3 Steven Rodriguez was recently promoted during a ceremony at the D.C. National Guard Armory, marking a significant milestone in his continued service. https://t.co/0EcjVZWwMv
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#MotivationalMondayMinute is about people. Long-term success is achieved by prioritizing training, leadership, and care for personnel over mere investment in equipment. https://t.co/Dp31geQmC0
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Today, your D.C. National Guard members, along with service members supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, were on the ground clearing snow at designated D.C. Public School locations and nearby neighborhoods, following a request from Mayor Muriel Bowser. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/Z8b9cVL3ZF
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Your National Guard members in the District supported first responders, helped stranded motorists, and maintained a visible presence across DC as the winter storm slowed the city down. That's because when conditions get tough, we bring mobility, manpower and discipline. https://t.co/D6gwIT2Ewm
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Readiness is built before the mission begins! In 2025, we strengthened our force through focused training, modernization, and real-world operations. Every exercise and partnership sharpened our ability to respond when called upon. Watch how preparation becomes confidence: https://t.co/2wR97brkNn
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RT @SecArmy: Beyond proud of our @USNationalGuard Soldiers supporting their communities through this winter storm. When help was needed, th…
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Working shoulder to shoulder with the Metropolitan Police Department, nearly 2,500 National Guard members are helping keep neighborhoods safe for the people who call our nation’s capital home. Read more: https://t.co/86llQ4Mq16 https://t.co/nsQwmVPZuM
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Approximately 2,500 National Guard members continue to support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission during winter weather operations & working alongside local and federal partners to help ensure public safety across the nation’s capital. #DCSafe https://t.co/6ZXsFTMXd5
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Sleet or snow, your National Guardsmen were on the streets of D.C. today, supporting local law enforcement partners and helping keep roadways safe for motorists. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/NcnmhwsS6l
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Always Ready. Always There! We have the capabilities to support our District law enforcement partners as severe weather approaches our region this weekend, ensuring first responders can continue moving safely throughout the city! https://t.co/TkutEJljtS
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Soldiers with the Florida National Guard conduct presence patrols near the Washington Monument during the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. They're supporting our public safety partners across the District at all hours of the day & night. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/OaolfyZFo5
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Over the weekend, #JROTC #cadets from more than a dozen DC area schools were put to the test during the Best of the Best Drill Competition at the D.C. Armory! Congratulations to the winning teams and thank you to our #CapitalGuardian judges! https://t.co/PvNkDUFDJR
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Our State Partnership Program welcomed members of the #JamaicaNationalReserve for a Subject Matter Expert Exchange. The engagement focused on leader development, training schoolhouse organization, strengthening shared approaches to readiness and force development. https://t.co/bBiOA5LJYz
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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